BRACH Madrid delivers retreat-like luxury in the heart of Spain

Most notable, though, was the quiet — a tranquillity that, in my experience, usually only exists within the walls of a spa. But the space wasn’t stale and lacking any sort of atmosphere; BRACH was merely a sanctuary compared to the bustle outside.

Located almost halfway down the Gran Via — a meeting point for all Madrid dwellers, both long and short-term, wanting to shop, eat and rarely sleep — it’s an ideal location for those wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of Spain. For context, you’re a mere 18-minute walk from the Royal Palace Madrid and the iconic opera house known as Teatro Real.

And despite its central position, our room felt like anything but a transient home. The 30sqm of our Deluxe abode felt generous, housing a queen-size bed, private bar and a washroom sure to be all over Pinterest soon.

On the plane, we had vowed to spend as little time motionless as possible, wanting to know all that Madrid had to offer in late winter/early spring. However, with relaxed spaces upstairs primed for chilling, a rooftop bar and a restaurant powered by an in-house pâtissier, we had little excuse to move far.

I can be a little dubious when it comes to a hotel restaurant. Some venues see it as a means to an end, rather than an opportunity to show flair. BRACH fell firmly into the latter camp, dishing up tapas that rivalled only that of one other venue (Tasca Celso y Manolo is also a must).

The Cecina Croquettes were worthy winners of the Hotel Tapa Tour 2025, while the Baba ghanoush, made tableside, was a talking point for our entire trip. And while the Crispy Prawns aren’t traditionally Spanish, they were perfectly paired with a basil mayonnaise I’ve tried to replicate multiple times since.

Sophie Donovan